Mojtaba Khamenei likely to skip father’s funeral over security concerns, says aide
Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is unlikely to attend his father’s funeral as authorities are unable to guarantee his safety, Ayatollah Hakim Elahi, the Supreme Leader’s Representative in India, has said.
In an exclusive interview with India Today before leaving for Tehran from New Delhi, Elahi said Mojtaba wished to meet the public but security agencies had strongly advised against any appearance because of the prevailing threat environment following the recent conflict with Israel.
“I was in Iran last week and met some friends who had met him. They told me he wants to come out and meet the people, but security officials are not allowing it. They believe it is too dangerous to provide adequate protection,” Elahi said.
Iran mourns its late Supreme Leader
Iran is preparing for several days of state funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US and Israeli strikes during the opening phase of the recent war. According to Elahi, the country has been gripped by grief since the leader’s death, with many Iranians viewing the loss as one that cannot be replaced.
He said thousands of mourners from across Iran and abroad were expected to participate in the funeral to pay their respects and reaffirm support for the Islamic Republic. The ceremonies are scheduled to begin in Tehran before moving to other religious centres, including Qom and Mashhad, with memorial events also planned in Iraq.
Elahi says Iran remains resilient
Responding to questions about Israel’s warnings of further military action, Elahi insisted that Iran had emerged from the conflict in a stronger position. He said the country remained prepared to respond to future threats and claimed several nations had viewed Iran as having gained the upper hand during the war.
Salman Khurshid to attend on Congress’ behalf
Former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid will travel to Tehran to represent the Congress after Iran invited party president Mallikarjun Kharge to attend the funeral. Khurshid said the visit reflected India’s longstanding relationship with Iran and described it as a gesture of solidarity during a period of national mourning.
He recalled Iran’s support for India during previous diplomatic challenges and said Tehran had also helped ensure the safe passage of Indian vessels through the Strait of Hormuz during the recent conflict.
Khurshid will carry a condolence letter from Kharge to Iranian authorities as part of the visit.
Funeral amid leadership transition
The funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei marks a pivotal moment in Iran’s history, with the country entering a new phase following the death of its longtime Supreme Leader.
Across Iran, black flags and mourning banners have been displayed, while religious gatherings have been organised in line with Shi’ite traditions. The multi-day funeral is expected to draw massive crowds and serve as a public demonstration of unity as Iran navigates a sensitive political transition under heightened regional tensions.
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